Jewellery Makers and Shop WallisHunter Jewellery, International Jewellery Scottish Designer Jewellery, Pewterware Proper Pottery, Tiles, Cards, Baby Presents & other Gifty Things! It just gets better Web: www.wallishunter-jewellery.com Carradale, By Campbeltown. Argyll Tel/Fax 01583 431 683 IN THIS ISSUE P2 EKCC, Jobs and Care. P3 EKCC Meeting, Fire and Rescue & Drama. P4 Toilets, frames & Poppies. P5 Scenic routes, Council budget. 2013-2016. P6 Bunks, Guild and Seniors. P7 Kintyre Initiative, extracts. P8 Footfall & Grogport Rainfall P9 Single wind turbines. P10 Ferries ancient & modern P11 Turbine steamers. P12 Picture House, Hearing problems, House for sale CARRADALE GOLF CLUB THE SECRETARY IS MARGARET RICHARDSON, 2 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE CARRADALE PA28 6QJ. 01583 431788 FURTHER INFORMATION IS ON PAGES 4 & 8 Contact Rob Jones on: 01586 830133 after 6pm mobile: 07507327410 7am - 6pm e-mail: [email protected]Bulk loads, bags & kindlers, cut, split & ready for the fire Logs For Sale Joinery, Fencing, Decking, Decorating, Tiling, Path laying, Domestic repairs, Dry stone walling, Kitchen installations Whole house renovation 01583 431614 07786838996 Phone K ee F Need a repair or a small job done? Can’t get a tradesman to come out? antler ISSUE 232 APRIL 2012 THE ITS AN ILL WIND.. KINTYRE MAY SOON BE BRISTLING ALL OVER WITH TOWERING INDIGNATION THE TIMES - THEY ARE A’CHANGING While British Summer Time comes into its own this weekend and we ‘lose’ an hours sleep, the same cannot be said of the voluntary organisations who seem to be working all the hours available to improve the lot of Kintyre residents and visitors. While cynics might be right in assuming that council election time is approaching, the same cannot be said for those who are promoting new ideaas in Campbeltown and the rural villages. At a time when school rolls are falling and local businesses are in decline, an outburst of new and rejuvenated blood is evident in a number of interesting initiatives. Not to be outdone a variety of community sub-groups are hitting the headlines and, with a least one community council being saved from dissolution through elections in the Autumn, things can only get more interesting. Whether you fly to support the Airbase buy-out, motor or sail with CHUG, entangle yourself with Carradale Network, bunk-off to Campbeltown, stride to secure the Kintyre Way’s future or help the elderly to benefit from new arrangements being researched by the UHI, your interest, help and support is vital in keeping Kintyre alive as a working and welcoming community. JOBS IN AND FOR CARRADALE ‘VILLAGE SERVICES GROUP’S’ OUTSTANDING SUCCESS The proposal which ‘the village services group’ of the Community Council put to the ‘investing in ideas’ fund of the Big Lottery was approved on Thursday 23rd February. This is the proposal that was discussed at the February meeting and described in the March Antler. It is worth £10,000. To see full details including the project application form see: http://villageweb.org.uk/eastkintyre/Village%20services.htm On the 23rd February a group of five of us had a meeting with representatives of Argyll & Bute and of Argyll Voluntary Action. We all agreed that we shared the same objectives of providing better care for the elderly and helping the elderly to live in their own homes. However, the meeting did highlight that care for the elderly, unless they are rich, tends to be seen as either state provision with all the accompanying expense and bureaucracy or else voluntary provision - either or. Our hope is that we can find some middle ground which rather than placing more load on volunteers can create jobs locally and save money for the state. We have no idea whether or not this is possible but this grant from the Big Lottery will enable us to employ the Centre for Rural Health (http://www. abdn.ac.uk/crh/ ) of the University of the Highlands and Islands to help us to explore the idea. The Centre for Rural Health was recently the lead agency in an EU research programme looking at the needs of elderly people in remote rural areas of Europe (see http://www.o4os.eu/ ). That project mainly looked at how young elderly people could help older elderly people. In our project we are trying to challenge them to look at possibilities beyond volunteering. Part of their brief will be to help, if possible, to design a pilot project for East Kintyre. We should hear soon from the Centre for Rural Health as to how they propose to organize their work. E.D. There is more information on the issue of care for the elderly and job opportunities for younger people on Page 2. With more wind-farm applications being contested or turned down a rash of single turbines may proliferate see page 9. THE ANTLER WELCOMES CONTRIBUTORS, SUBSCRIBERS & ADVERTISERS Please contact the Editor at Benbecula, Waterfoot, Carradale, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6QX. Tel: 01583 431281. e-mail: [email protected]
Transcript
Jewellery Makers and ShopWallisHunter Jewellery, International Jewellery
Scottish Designer Jewellery, Pewterware Proper Pottery,Tiles, Cards, Baby Presents & other Gifty Things! It just gets better
Web: www.wallishunter-jewellery.comCarradale, By Campbeltown. Argyll Tel/Fax 01583 431 683
IN THIS ISSUEP2 EKCC, Jobs and Care.P3 EKCC Meeting, Fire and
Rescue & Drama.P4 Toilets, frames & Poppies.P5 Scenic routes, Council
budget. 2013-2016.P6 Bunks, Guild and Seniors.P7 Kintyre Initiative, extracts.P8 Footfall & Grogport RainfallP9 Single wind turbines.P10 Ferries ancient & modernP11 Turbine steamers.P12 Picture House, Hearing
problems, House for sale
CARRADALE GOLF CLUB THE SECRETARY IS MARGARET RICHARDSON, 2 OLD SCHOOLHOUSE CARRADALE PA28 6QJ. 01583 431788
FURTHER INFORMATION IS ON PAGES 4 & 8
Contact Rob Jones on: 01586 830133 after 6pm mobile: 07507327410 7am - 6pm e-mail: [email protected]
Bulk loads, bags & kindlers, cut, split & ready for the fire
Phone KeeF Need a repair or a small job done? Can’t get a tradesman to come out?
antlerISSUE 232 APRIL 2012THE
ITS AN ILL WIND..KINTYRE MAY SOON BE
BRISTLING ALL OVER WITHTOWERING INDIGNATION
THE TIMES -THEY ARE
A’CHANGINGWhile British Summer Time comes into itsown this weekend and we ‘lose’ an hourssleep, the same cannot be said of thevoluntary organisations who seem to beworking all the hours available to improvethe lot of Kintyre residents and visitors. While cynics might be right inassuming that council election time isapproaching, the same cannot be said forthose who are promoting new ideaas inCampbeltown and the rural villages. At a time when school rolls are fallingand local businesses are in decline, anoutburst of new and rejuvenated blood isevident in a number of interestinginitiatives. Not to be outdone a variety ofcommunity sub-groups are hitting theheadlines and, with a least onecommunity council being saved fromdissolution through elections in theAutumn, things can only get moreinteresting. Whether you fly to support the Airbasebuy-out, motor or sail with CHUG, entangleyourself with Carradale Network, bunk-offto Campbeltown, stride to secure theKintyre Way’s future or help the elderly tobenefit from new arrangements beingresearched by the UHI, your interest, helpand support is vital in keeping Kintyre aliveas a working and welcoming community.
JOBS IN AND FOR CARRADALE‘VILLAGE SERVICES GROUP’S’ OUTSTANDING SUCCESSThe proposal which ‘the village services group’ of theCommunity Council put to the ‘investing in ideas’ fund of the BigLottery was approved on Thursday 23rd February. This is theproposal that was discussed at the February meeting anddescribed in the March Antler. It is worth £10,000.To see full details including the project application form see:http://villageweb.org.uk/eastkintyre/Village%20services.htm On the 23rd February a group of five of us had a meetingwith representatives of Argyll & Bute and of Argyll VoluntaryAction. We all agreed that we shared the same objectives ofproviding better care for the elderly and helping the elderly tolive in their own homes. However, the meeting did highlight thatcare for the elderly, unless they are rich, tends to be seen aseither state provision with all the accompanying expense andbureaucracy or else voluntary provision - either or. Our hope is that we can find some middle ground whichrather than placing more load on volunteers can create jobslocally and save money for the state. We have no idea whetheror not this is possible but this grant from the Big Lottery willenable us to employ the Centre for Rural Health (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/crh/) of the University of the Highlands and Islandsto help us to explore the idea. The Centre for Rural Health wasrecently the lead agency in an EU research programme lookingat the needs of elderly people in remote rural areas of Europe(see http://www.o4os.eu/). That project mainly looked at howyoung elderly people could help older elderly people. In ourproject we are trying to challenge them to look at possibilitiesbeyond volunteering. Part of their brief will be to help, if possible,to design a pilot project for East Kintyre. We should hear soonfrom the Centre for Rural Health as to how they propose toorganize their work. E.D.There is more information on the issue of care for the elderly
and job opportunities for younger people on Page 2.
With more wind-farm applicationsbeing contested or turned down a
rash of single turbines may proliferatesee page 9.
THE ANTLER WELCOMES CONTRIBUTORS,SUBSCRIBERS & ADVERTISERSPlease contact the Editor at Benbecula, Waterfoot,
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EAST KINTYRECOMMUNITY COUNCIL:SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVINGPROPOSAL FROM THE CENTRE FOR
RURAL HEALTHBackgroundEast Kintyre Community Council is seekingconsultancy support to develop a model of carewhich will meet the needs of local people whorequire support to live at home and provide localemployment opportunities. Funding is availablefrom the Big Lottery scheme ‘Investing in Ideas’of around £9k to pay for advice and support to:� Test assumptions about how care services
are currently provided and identify currentbarriers due to e.g. Care Commissionrequirements, health and safety legislation,commissioning strategies
� Research different models of serviceprovision in rural areas and what types ofservices have been successfully delivered bylocal communities
� Gather information about communitypreferences, views of service commissioners,governance options, financial sustainabilityetc. against which different models can betested
� Prepare proposals and funding applicationsto take forward the preferred model.
The Centre for Rural Health has been invited tooutline how we would work with the CommunityCouncil to take forward their ambitions for acommunity independent living service.Our ApproachOur initial thoughts on how we would approachthis task are set out below and we will be happyto discuss these further with the CommunityCouncil. Our ideas are based on experience ofsimilar projects we have carried out as well aspractical issues such as the funds available,distance, timetable etc. Our approach is basedupon:� Putting the views of older people and others
requiring support in the community at theheart of any decisions about how care shouldbe provided locally
� Ensuring the community has the bestavailable information on which to makedecisions about the way forward
� Making the best use of your funds –minimising travel costs, not reinventing thewheel,
If this project demonstrates that a new andsustainable model of local service provision willbring benefits to East Kintyre, implementationwill require the active collaboration and supportof a number of individuals and organisations aswell as local community members. It will beimportant to have an effective strategy for
keeping people informed as the workprogresses and easing access to informationheld within organisations. The CommunityCouncil will be able to use existing tools suchas the community web site but other optionsinclude a short term steering group, newslettersand email alert lists.
WORK PLAN – MAIN STAGES1) Phase One: Where Are We At Now?Phase One will be about familiarising ourselveswith the current situation, gathering togetherand digesting as much information as possibleabout local needs, assets and services and anyother local initiatives which might be relevant.Work will start with an initial 2-3 day visit to thearea and a series of meetings with people whowill have a key part to play in taking the workforward such as: the Community Council itself,key staff in the Council and NHS, localcouncillors, local community supportorganisations such as Argyll and Bute CVS, theSocial Enterprise Network, community transportassociations and the existing community carers.Prior to this visit we will have already startedgathering and reviewing information such as:results of the recent community planning surveyand any other needs assessment workundertaken in the area, community care plansand relevant Council and NHS plans andpolicies, directories and databases of localcommunity services and organisations providinglocal support services etc., relevant legislationand regulatory requirements.OutputsFrom this desk based research, the local visitand any follow up research we will produce aninitial report identifying what further informationwill be needed to take the project forward andhighlighting key issues to be addressed.2) Phase Two: Where Do We Want To Be?Phase two will begin with desk research intoexisting models of rural community services andwhat lessons can be learnt from these. We willaim to arrange opportunities for the CommunityCouncil and others to meet people alreadyinvolved in providing and commissioningcommunity led services, either through studyvisits or by video conference. The Centrealready has considerable information andcontacts from projects already completed. Aspart of this work we will seek to gather examplesof relevant guidance, policies and procedureswhich may be required for business planningpurposes e.g. equal opportunities, health andsafety, training and development etc. We willalso liaise with anyone engaged to provide legaladvice on appropriate governance formats suchas: Community Interest Company, ScottishCharitable Incorporated Organisation, ScottishCharitable Organisation.Phase Two will also involve plugging any gapsin information about what services local people
need to be able to live independently in thecommunity and the acceptability of differentmodels of care to different groups in thecommunity: older people, people withdisabilities, people with mental health problems,informal carers etc., It will also be important togather information about what ‘assets’ thecommunity may have which can be drawn uponto help provide local services. This might includefor example: local organisations with relevantexpertise, buildings from which services couldbe provided, people with relevant skills such aslawyers, accountants, care professionals, peoplewith experience of risk management or healthand safety legislation, people with talents orresources. How this work will be done willdepend upon how much information is alreadyavailable from previous research. We willdiscuss the options with the Community Council,which are likely to include: a short questionnaire,telephone or face to face interviews, groupdiscussions.OutputsWe will prepare an interim report summarisingthe results of the local research into needs andassets and case study examples of models ofrural community service provision. During a visitto the area we will discuss the report with theCommunity Council and agree a shortlist of 2-3options to be examined further in the final phaseof the project.3) Phase Three: Options AppraisalThe final phase of our proposal involves holdinga participatory option appraisal workshop. Theworkshop will be designed and carried out withthe active participation of members of theCommunity Council and other key organisations(this could take the format of a ‘key actors’workshop followed up with wider/publicconsultation). A checklist will be drawn upagainst which each option can be assessed. Thisis likely to include issues such as: range ofservices to be provided; client groups to beserved; service levels to be offered; options forgovernance arrangements; sources of funding;status of employees; registration requirements,acceptability to community and commissioners.It is likely that some further desk basedinformation gathering and interviews will berequired during this phase to prepare materialfor the workshop. Following the workshop wewill prepare a final report summarising: key datagathered during the project which will berequired for business planning purposes; theresults of the option appraisal and description ofthe preferred model; sources of funding and a‘next steps’ action plan.OutputsWe will prepare a final report containing a rangeof information which should provide most of theinformation which the Community Council willneed for funding applications and business planpreparation. C.F. & E.D.
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EKCC MARCH MEETINGREPORT ON THE MEETING : 1 MARCH 2012
There was an excellent turnout for this meeting mainly dueto the agenda matter concerning the possible removal ofthe Cloanaig to Lochranza ferry.Cllrs Robin Currie, John McAlpine and John Semple werein attendance. The meeting began with a welcome from the actingConvenor, Stuart Irvine. He began by suggesting a changein procedure regarding minutes of the meeting. In futurehe will send a report to the Antler and The Carradale Goatimmediately after the meeting. A draft minute will beprepared by the Secretary and sent to the Acting Convenorfor approval and this will then be read out at the nextCouncil meeting for approval, following which it will be sentto the Antler and The Carradale Goat for publication. The minutes of the last meeting were then read out andapproved and the following matters arising discussed.
a) It has now been agreed with Argyll and Bute Councilthat the present Council members will retire in earlyAutumn and a fresh election of councillors will be made.
b) In regard to the East Kintyre Wind-farm Trust it hasalso been confirmed that a new Committee will haveto be formed if there are not enough new councillorsto maintain the present basis. The letter is that thecommittee is made up of the Community Council plusthree independent members to ensure governancematters
Other matters arising, such as Ferry and Services to theelderly were on the agenda
1. Ferry: - In the ferry consultation document there ismention of a real threat to the removal of the Cloanaig-Lochranza ferry. Cllr John Semple gave a report on arecent meeting in Campbeltown. The was followed bycomments from Network Carradale Ltd given by theirChairman, Alan Walker. A number of members of thepublic also added their views. It was clear that there ismassive support for the retention of this ferry and theEKCC agreed to put its support by writing to Argyll andBute Council accordingly. It was also agreed thatEKCC will put a sheet in the two Post Offices andNetwork Tearoom asking for support from the public.
2. Services for the Elderly: - Eric Dudley reported that agrant of £10,000 has agreed to finance a consultantstudy on what could be developed in Carradale whichmight also produces a number of local jobs.
3. Cllr John Semple pointed out the plight of the KintyreWay which currently has severe cash flow problems.It was confirmed that the EKWFT may assist as it hasdone in the past.
4. Roads: - Following the meeting a few months ago whenDamien Green from A&B gave a report on roads in thisarea, John McAlpine spoke with Sandy McTaggart atKilmory and he has agreed to attend a meeting inCarradale on Thursday, 15 March to answer questionsfrom the public on the state of our roads. He will alsobe prepared to take questions on harbour issues. JSI
CARRADALE FIRE AND RESCUECAN COLLECTIONS AND CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERIES AID DONATIONS
In late February, and true to their established record, Carradale Firefighters havemade two more charitable donations. The first was £360 to the Anthony Nolan bonemarrow fund and the second £250 to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Family SupportTrust. Money raised from Christmas card deliveries in Carradale and the surroundingvillages this year allowed the crew to assist the Anthony Nolan fund and cancollections in Carradale itself made the donation to the SFR family support possible.Pictured with Group Commander Stuart McLean and Watch Commander RobertStrang are the Carradale crew - from the left Firefighters E. Durnan and S. Partridge,GC S. McLean, T. Lee, J. Durnan, WC R. Strang, J. Paterson and L. Campbell.The fire crew acknowledge the very generous support given by members of thepublic. Incidentally Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is offering free smoke alarms andhome fire safety visits for anyone in the village. To take advantage of this pleasecontact the fire station, telephone 0800 0731 999, text ‘check’ to 61611, or visit theStrathclyde Fire and Rescue web-site. Photo courtesy of JD & the ‘Carradale Goat’.
“YOU CAN’T WIN THEM ALL”RAYMOND CHANDLER: A CARRADALE DRAMA GROUP UPDATE
Pauline and Tony were delighted by the fantastic support of Carradale people at theDress Rehearsal, Pre-performance meal and at the Performance itself at the SCDADrama Festival in Campbeltown on 14th February. On the night they gave a faultless prompt-free performance of the two-handerplay ‘The Beach Hut’ by Mark Rees. They were pleased with how they had performedand the response showed that it was well received by an appreciative audience atthe Campbeltown Grammar School. At the Prize Giving they were rewarded by beingawarded the Visitors Quaich- a cup given for The Best Moment of Theatre. However, there was, widespread disappointment that they didn’t get morerecognition for their colourful set. This was constructed by Tony assisted by CameronMcNair and completed with excellent artwork by Eleanor Bennett. Hopes of winning other silverware had been raised as both the public and privateadjudications by Ron Nicol were glowing and very positive in every respect apartfrom a couple of minor points. But earlier hopes were dashed as they weren’t placedin the top three, but nothing daunted, the Club takes the Play to both the Lorn DramaFestival in Oban in late March and to The Mid Argyll Festival in Ardrishaig in April. And they will of course be putting it on in the Village Hall when they hope toattract and entertain a local audience. Watch out for posters advertising this, theposters will go up around the village nearer the time. M.L.
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M.B.E. & M.S.P.
Tracy and Fiona are very pleased to announce that Nonnie has now joined the teamof staff at the Ashbank Hotel. Bar open from 12pm-2pm & 4pm to late.
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A WARNING FROM INDIAThis morning I received an internationaltelephone call purporting to be an agent fromMicrosoft. They had a foreign accent. Theysaid that my computer had been invaded by avirus and that Microsoft had detected this. Theyasked me if my computer was currently turnedon and if not to go and turn it on and they wouldtalk me through a process to get rid of thisvirus/problem. This all sounded very genuine. I told this agent that I was a very cautiousperson and that if they gave me their telephonenumber I would telephone them back. Theyimmediately hung up. Please be aware of such telephone calls.They do sound genuine but if you do as I didthey will hang up. When I did a ‘1471’ dial tosee who had been telephoning me there wasno number. Regards, Leonard McNeill,
Ardrishaig Community Council
POPPY CHANGEOVERAfter years of dedicated service to the Poppycollection, Edna Paterson, Betty MacGregor,Mary McMillan and Lilian Campbell havedecided to leave the collection in 2012 toyounger members of the community. In their stead are two strong supporters ofcharities associated with the armed forces,Charles McMillan and Andrew Charlwood, ablyassisted by another veteran of the Poppy DayAppeal, Neenie MacDougall. The collection may be some months awaybut after the sterling work put in with theMonument and coastal walks, and the equallycreditable tidying of the Carradale WarMemorial by members of the CommunityCouncil and contractors employed by Argyll &Bute Council. It is gratifying to hear that thosewho served in the armed forces, or whosupported national efforts in other ways, arenot forgotten in the passage of time.
SNOWDROPSREMEMBERED
The interest shown by individual residents andmembers East Kintyre Community Council inthe War Memorial Garden was amply rewardedthis year by a magnificent display of snowdropsnestling among the remains of last year’s showof perennial geraniums. In an early bout of spring tidying, one of theformer activists has come across the remnantsof financial donations given to boost themoney received from the Wind-farm trust forthe construction of the garden. As a result justover £42 has been passed back to theremaining members of the present communitycouncil, and the new members about to beelected in the next few months, so that the careof the garden can be maintained. Again, thanks go to the living and dead whocontributed both plants and money to itscreation, and to those still actively involved.
LUSS-URY TOILETSNATIONAL PARK MONEY : ABC DESIGN
At a time when public toilets are no longer aprotected species, there is welcome news for theelderly, the disabled, frustrated parents of youngchildren and those who sometimes get caughtshort - the LL&TNPA is about to help them reachtheir destination dry and without discomfort. With the disappearance of the Millknowetoilets through the lack of ABC foresight for theneeds of those arriving in Campbeltown late atnight by bus, the earlier threat to the Tayinloanfacility and the withdrawal of toilets at Arrochar andDuck Bay, it is reassuring that some relief is athand, as the following ABC announcement shows. ‘Work is well underway on the new toilets forLuss village. The old building has beendemolished and the walls and roof structure of thenew building are now in place. The building whichhas been designed by Argyll and Bute Council’sproperty team features natural materials. Larchcladding, natural stone, timber decking and a slateroof have all been used to complement thesurrounding area and ensure that the toiletsenhance the village. In addition to the toiletfacilities the building will also have a separate babychanging area.
The project was the inspiration of Loch Lomondand The Trossachs National Park and isscheduled to be completed by Easter.Spokesperson for environment CouncillorBruce Marshall said, “I am delighted that the work is going sowell. Luss is a beautiful village with manytourists visiting over the summer months.These new toilets will provide both residentsand visitors alike pleasant, high qualityfacilities. The design of the building reflectsthe beauty of the area and it’s thanks to thegrant from Loch Lomond and the TrossachsNational Parks Authority that made the projectpossible.” Fiona Logan, CEO for Loch Lomond andThe Trossachs National Park said: “I amthrilled that we have funded these new toiletsand that work is now underway. We wanted tomake sure the facilities not only provided awelcome break for the huge numbers of visitorscoming to enjoy Luss but also looked great. Itwas important to the National Park that anydesign should remain sympathetic to thelandscape and we’re pleased the use of naturalmaterials is being used during this constructionphase. I’m sure the new toilets will be a realasset to the village”.’
ITS A FRAME-UPA last minute spurt of enthusiasm hasenabled one of the present CommunityCouncils cherished ambitions to be fulfilled. With the kind permission of the ownersof the grocery shop in Carradale East, anew notice board has been placed in aprominent position on the shop’s front wall. No longer will advertisers have to relysolely on the damaged Hotel frame, thedifficulty of balancing the Hall’s large frontpanel on their heads while inserting noticesin the prepared sleeves, or come unstuckon the encrusted obscured plastic panelsof the bus station - nice one Stuart andmany thanks Angela. That just leaves the steps fromLochpark to the harbour, the maintenanceof the Broomfield garden and ..............
THE GOLF CLUB DRAWThe prizes in the monthly draw for Januaryand February are as follows:- January February1st £30 Val Conley Liam Paterson2nd £18 Gail McIntosh Ian Robb3rd £12 Eileen Naismith Julie Allan
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SCENIC ROUTESALAN MILSTEAD
‘HERALDS’ A CONTENDER‘Top Five Scenic Drives In Scotland’
In early March The Carradale Goat web-sitecarried a cutting sent in by Alan Milstead fromThe Glasgow Herald praising a Tarbert to Islayroute through Carradale as one of the top fiveScenic Drives in Scotland, suggesting thatdrivers leave - ‘the A83, turn into the funnel-likeB8001 and enjoy grand views of the Arranmountains. ‘ ‘Further on, the B842 will speed you alongto the fishing village of Carradale. Once youreach Campbeltown, turn north at the A83 untilyou reach West Loch Tarbert, where you cancatch a ferry to Islay. Shame the whisky’soff-limits, mind’. The Herald’s article attracted a lot ofinterest and a few adverse comments like onefrom ‘Old Soldier’ - ‘I notice none of the fine
drives in the North of Scotland are mentioned,is it the Scotsman cannot afford the fuel?’ Kate Luke asked why, in the accompanyingpicture, are ‘the motorcyclist and the car on thewrong side of the road?’ Finally Graham Slaterpromotes a more well-known road - ‘Ullapoolto Applecross via the Bealach-na-Ba appearsto have been omitted’.
COUNCIL BUDGETPLANNING & BUDGETING EXTRACTS
2013 - 2014 & 2015 - 2016To establish a resilience fund through a oneoff budget provision in 2012-13 revenue budgetof £700,000.To establish a youth employment/oppor-tunities fund based around learning choices forthe 16+ age group through a one off budgetprovision in 2012-13 revenue budget of£200,000.To provide in the revenue budget for festivedecorations across Argyll and Bute of£100,000 per annum for 2012-13 to 2014-15.To freeze the cost of school meals at thecurrent level with a reduction in budgetedincome in the revenue budget of £46,000(2012-13) / £94,000 (2013-14) / £143,000(2014-15).To make provision in the revenue budget of£11,000 in 2012-13 and 2013-14 for acontribution to the cost of operating the Juramainland passenger ferry in partnership withthe Scottish Government (ABC 20%/ScottishGovernment 80%).To make provision in the revenue budget forone off contribution to the running costs of
Auchindrain Museum in 2012-13 of £20,000(prior to the museum being taken over byHistoric Scotland or closed).To increase the fund for events and festivalsby £3,000 to make provision for an annualpayment of £1,000 for the next three years tomeet the cost of support for the Lantern Paradein Lochgilphead subject to agreement of anappropriate SLA.To make provision in the revenue budget foran increase in financial support to communitycouncils of £10,000 per annum.To un-earmark the NPDO and Waste PPPSmoothing Funds utilising £12,500,000 as acontribution to capital to fund the Council’scontribution to the replacement ofCampbeltown Grammar School and thereplace of Dunoon Primary Schools with thebalance of £2,092,000 being retained as anun-earmarked balance in the General Fundand used as part of the overall budget strategy.
AMENDMENTLeaders of the opposition groups within Argylland Bute Council requested advance notice ofthe administration’s budget proposals from theLeader and Deputy Leader of the Council onMonday 13 February 2012 so that serious andconstructive consideration could be given to
the possibility of producing a budget that allMembers of the Council could support.Unfortunately this request was refused.As a result of the above refusal, oppositionCouncillors have had insufficient time toconsider the complex proposals containedwithin the administration’s proposed budget.This does not allow all opposition Councillorstime to consider all the implications of what theadministration is proposing and the impact thatthese proposals will have on residents of Argylland Bute.While a number of positive proposals within theadministration’s proposed budget arewelcomed, there are a number of areas ofconcern that we would wish to see beingaddressed within the Council’s budget. Theseinclude such things as:Concerns over the level of funding for roadrepairs and maintenance.Concerns over the level of funding for varioussupport services for the most vulnerable withinour communities.Concerns over the impact that the changesbeing proposed as a result of the Street SceneReview will have on many of our communities,and the specific implications for some of ourmore remote and island communities.
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On Tuesday, the 21st of February, DavidMcEwan took us on a tour of Campbeltown,with his slides of its most interesting buildings,with details of all their architectural features.He has long been interested in architecture andcertainly has a wealth of knowledge giving usa new perspective of Campbeltown. Now onshopping visits we will be scanning the streetsfor architraves, pediments, and columns ratherthan watching where we put our feet. David isto conduct a few architecture walks in thesummer and these should be well worth joining. The last meeting of the session was a wellorganized AGM presented by MargaretLeighton. After the reading and acceptance oflast year’s minutes, the treasurer’s report wasgiven by Dorothy McCormick. She resigns thisyear and Dede Robertson has agreed to takeher place. A report from CHAS followed; severalmembers had a tour of Robin House last yearand were impressed by the facilities, thecollection for the year was just over £200.Carol Abernethy gave a report on Auchinlee,which is now in the process of becoming adementia care home; staff are being trainedwith this in mind. At present there are 24rooms with 22 in residence. Carol is looking fora partner to attend meetings and events asIsabel Williamson has resigned. The Guildprojects change this year and the committeewere left to decide which two to support. Thesix national projects over the last three yearshave made a total of £506,000.
The secretary’s job is again being shared bythree members. Several committee membersare staying on for another year while EleanorBennett will replace Margaret Cook. All othermembers with special duties agreed tocontinue. Other matters discussed included anotice-board in the village hall for use of theGuild and changing the World Day of Prayerservice to an afternoon one, The summer outing is hoped to be a visitto Campbeltown police station and a meal atthe Ardshiel Hotel. The meeting ended with anexcellent slide show by Margaret Richardsonfrom an extensive range of photographs takenon her travels in Europe and Africa andincluded a few home grown ones. M.P.
THE SENIORS FORUMOne of the delights of attending the meetingsof the South Kintyre Seniors Forum is theopportunity to hear personal experiences andfrank views on the provisions for the elderlyand disabled in Kintyre. The meeting onThursday 8th of March was no exception. Thespeaker for the afternoon was Alison Hunter,who though based in the Hazleburn Building isresponsible for organising Social Work adultcare in Mid Argyll, Kintyre, Islay and Jura. In an extensive cultivation of the existingadministrative ground and the likely planting ofnew, more exotic and less expensive crops,she made it clear that the uncultivated groundbetween the NHI and Council plots will not bebe fertilised until well after the new Council iselected in May, and even then proposals areunlikely to be considered unless they deal withthe whole of Argyll and Bute rather than justone sub-area.
Although the far-sighted EKCC ‘jobs and careinitiative’ on page 2 of this Antler was notmentioned at this meeting, the enthusiasticproponents will obviously have to convince thenew Council and NHS that Kintyre’s needsrequire a more holistic approach in keepingwith its complex employment and care needs. The most disappointing aspect of Alison’saddress and of the questions she answeredwas the overwhelming sense that, howeverwilling, she could not divulge the machinationsimplicit in negotiations between the two mainprotagonists, ABC & NHS, and with the mainproviders - Saga, Argyll Homecare and Enable.It is clear that the question of care standardsand working practices are already ruling outsome care providers from the lists of thosewhich will be invited to quote when contractsare being considered. In some areas of Argyll and Bute careworkers will have the option of beingtransferred to new companies while others maybenefit from redundancy payments beforejoining approved agencies. One rather disturbing aspect at the openingof the meeting was the disclosure that whilethe University section of the new dental sectionwas functioning, twelve months after it wascomplete, the Campbeltown Dental Surgeryhad still not transferred to the building behindthe hospital. Reports from Lochgilpheadsuggest that an even longer period elapsedbefore a similar transfer took place. Alison was thanked by the Chair for herinteresting, complicated, but not over long,cover of care issues.
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EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OFMEETING ON FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY
TRANSPORTTRANSPORT SCOTLAND - UPDATE
David Hamilton and Phil Hinchcliff, TransportScotland, reported on the latest developmentsat the Rest and Be Thankful and apologizedfor any inconvenience and delays caused bythe road closure. They advised that the roadwould re-open at 11.00a.m. and detailed thattheir investigations to determine the landslipcause had been hampered by weatherconditions. The Geo-technical team had madethe decision to open the road earlier on themorning of Friday, 24 February. DavidHamilton continued that exploratory work toascertain the feasibility of the forestry track atthe Rest and Be Thankful were continuing. The work involved Geo-Technical andTopographical teams determining the level ofwork needed to ensure the road adhered to therequirements for public safety. A report wouldbe compiled and Transport Scotland wereliaising with the Forestry Commission andArgyll and Bute Council to complete this. Inaddition, the Forestry Commission had agreedto input money towards costs. Furtherinvestment if £1 million had been agreed byKeith Brown, the Transport Minister for the A83at the Rest and Be Thankful to developadditional contingencies and mitigation workto help deal with future landslips. Variousalternatives were being considered. Theseincluded:Ø Further nettingØ ViaductØ Avalanche sheltersØ Re-alignment of the road away from thehill-sideØ Alternative route(s) David Hamilton stated that TransportScotland needed to ensure that safety was notcompromised. However, they were working asquickly as possible and endeavouring toovercome technical issues. He advised that itwas envisaged that the work would becompleted before the end of the financial year,weather permitting. In regards the A83 study,Transport Scotland were aware of communityconcerns and general interest in the whole ofthe A83. The study was being commissionedto address these issues. Michael Russellstated that, in his opinion, the forestry road wasthe best fall-back option. He reported on 2meetings (23rd December/23rd January) andreported on funding of £800K to allowpreparatory work to commence. David
Hamilton detailed some of the further workproposed at the Rest and Be Thankful: furthersafety netting planned, more short-termprotective measures. Councillor Kellywelcomed the further investment andhighlighted that there was still time to sign theArgyll First petition. He stressed theimportance of reviewing the forestry road.However, he highlighted the other areas ofconcern detailed within the petition and theneed for a definitive plan of action:- Pinch
points on the A83 Pedestrian safety on the A83Trunking of the A83 between Kennacraig andCampbeltown. David Hamilton replied that theforthcoming study would not look at policy onthe A83. The Policy section at TransportScotland would give due consideration anddetermine the necessary strategic action to betaken. Councillor Semple enquired if Argyll andBute council together with HIE couldundertaken work to assist in raising awarenesson the detrimental economic impact of thesefrequent road closures on local businesses.Action: Letter would be written on behalf of theKIWG. Moya Ingram requesting overview inregards to this issue by the Roads andTransportation group. David Hamiltoncontinued that vehicles using the forestry roadwould travel in a convoy system on the forestryroad (which was 2 miles long). Michael Russelladvised that speed limits would be imposed.This was not a perfect solution, but the roadwould be accessible to all traffic. The Chair
enquired on a timescale when the technicalstudies had been concluded. David Hamiltonenvisaged that this would be completed by theback end of the summer. However, it may notbe the final design solution. Michael Russellagreed that a report would be compiled andthe timescale would be for the summer. TheChair invited further questions from the group.No further questions were submitted to theTransport Scotland representatives. The Chairthanked David Hamilton and Phil Hinchliff fortheir attendance at the KIWG meeting and forinformation provided.
ROAD ISSUESStewart Clark was unable to attend the meetingand Moya Ingram spoke to his report.Discussion continued in regards the ingress ofwater on local roads. The Chair suggestedcloser liaison between Scottish Water and locallandowners. David Barbour replied that annualinspections may alleviate these problems.Councillor Semple agreed on this and stressedthe need for funding to be prioritised to addressthis issue. He enquired on the status of the newAsset Management Plan. Moya Ingram repliedthat she had seen a draft of the plan, howevershe would need to speak to the RoadsDepartment for clarification. Councillor Kellyreiterated the need to inject funding into Kintyreroads which, in his opinion, were the worst inArgyll and Bute.Action: Moya Ingram to ascertain status ofAsset Management Plan.
FERRIES REVIEW - UPDATEMoya Ingram spoke to the draft report andadvised the group that the dealine forresponses was 30 March, 2012. Discussionensued and the group discussed and debatedvarious issues. These included the potentialthreat to the Claonaig - Lochranza ferry, theneed for local communities to voice theiropinions on the consultation, re-visit a previousreport which detailed the economic viability ofa ferry service from Campbeltown to Ayrshireand the need to build-in RET to any new ferryroute. Jim Martin enquired if commercialvehicles would be included in RET. MichaelRussell reported on a change in regulations forcommercial vehicles and that measures werebeing undertaken to address this. CouncillorSemple advocated that value for money be theethos for any new proposals and a review ofprevious work be done. Michael Russelladvised that to ensure the retention of theClaonaig - Lochranza route, local communitiesshould lobby for this and respond to theconsultation in order to make a positivecontribution.Jim Galbraith, Sue Harris and Alan Walkerattended the meeting representing NetworkCarradale.
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The Scottish Country Dancing group organised by Jimand Celia Holgate met for the first time on Friday 10thFebruary in Carradale Village Hall. Judging by thecomments of some of the eighteen dancers whoattended, the evening was a great success. Jim, who was born and raised in Edinburgh andhas been dancing for many years, showed everyonea few simple steps and then got them walking througha dance, started the music and they were away! Malcolm Trott said “It was an excellent evening.We thought they pulled it off well and Jim got thebalance just right between talking and demonstrating.The music was good and we’ll be joining the queue atthe door for next week’s session!” Audrey Gee said “A really fun evening and a goodwork-out too. I’m looking forward to next week.” Thiswas echoed by David and Hilary Lord from Peninverwho said “The whole evening was great fun and wewill be back for more!” Laura Finlayson said “We learnt so much in oneevening! It was great fun!” When in the village shop the next morning Malcolmheard comments such as: “It was good fun”, “….shouldget us fit”, “very enjoyable… We’ll certainly go again”and “The village has needed something like this foryears!” Jim said “I was heartened by the number of peoplewho attended the first session and the enthusiasticway they tackled the challenge of the dance. We havea large village hall which can accommodate manymore dancers, so let’s fill it with sound of music andpeople enjoying themselves!”WEEK 2 It was good to see everybody coming backagain, bringing another five dancers with them.Malcolm brought his camera and managed to take aphoto of some of the dancers doing one of the threedances that they learnt during the evening. Jim hopes that anyone who is still thinking aboutjoining in will come along next Friday (with or withouta partner) and find out how much fun it is.
Fridays at 7.15pm in Carradale Village Hall.Your contact Jim and Celia Holgate 01583 431113.A report from the Carradale Goat web-site courtesy
of J.D.
FRIDAY FOOTFALL
FEBRUARY RAINFALLThere was a dry start to the month, it ended on a drynote, and there were a couple a dry blinks along theway, but the general overall impression was one ofits being mild and wet. The total rainfall in Februarywas 152 mm (about 6 inches) The monthly total was seemingly not untoward,but closer scrutiny of the statistics in our recordsrevealed that only two years had recorded a highertotal. Last year’s total for February was 185mm andthere was a massive 338mm in 2002. The high 2002figure does distort the average but this month’srainfall is still above the average for the month whichis 125 mm (5 inches). [If, out of interest, one excludesthe inflated 2002 figure the February average is amore modest 104mm, 4 inches.] The eight dry days in February were lost, evenappearing non- existent in the pattern of rainfall thatwas for the most part ‘little and often.’ Howeverhigher rainfall of 19mm,17mm & 22mm was recordedon the 9th,18th and 22nd. As the month progressed and the days gotlonger, with the unseasonably mild temperatures, theearly appearance of snowdrops crocuses daffodilsand other flowers, and of new born lambs in the fieldsall combined to give the distinct feeling of Spring inthe air - an early Spring. It surely can’t last? There is bound to be a stingin the tail, but the respite from the dreary wet weatherof recent weeks has been most welcome and it hasput a happy smile on many faces. Here’s toSpringtime. Maybe the drought stricken areas in the SE ofthe UK will be hoping to get a more equitable shareof the rainfall in the weeks ahead, refilling theirdepleted reservoirs and avoiding the threatenedimpending drought restrictions. There certainly isn’tany fear of drought here in our area either now, or inthe foreseeable future. Who can predict what willhappen? In the words of someone (I can’t recall who)it’s only a wise fool that will do so! M.L.
A SUNDAY WALK UP TORRISDALE GLEN.Malcolm and Kate Trott with a couple of friends,Dave and Hillary Lord, enduring a wee bit of thewhite stuff above Torrisdale Glen.
From the Carradale Goat Web-site.
THE PICTURE HOUSESat 24 March for 6 days at
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Mon 2 April for 1 day at8.00pm
THE ARTIST (PG)
9
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TOMMY MILLAR COUNSELLORTRAVEL
Most Kintyre residents have always been in favourof the production of power by environmentallyfriendly means, but fewer fought for the need tomaintain quality within the landscape; the lattergroup thought they had achieved a reasonablecompromise when the Beinn-an-Tuirc andDeucheran wind-farms were built. Certainly theimpression given to radio and TV interviewers wholeft the Central Belt to talk to Community Councillorsand other representatives was that furtherdestruction of the landscape would not be tolerated. Since then attempts made by independentcompanies to promote new farms and engender thereceipt of rich subsidies available under the UK andScottish Government scheme, have been met withhostile resistance by local communities. The scheme proposed for Kilchattan atSouthend received a rebuff and it looks as ifproposals for Glenbarr and The Slate in SouthKintyre may meet the same hostile reception. However with ABC’s Argyll and Bute Councilvision to be ‘at the heart of renewable energydevelopment in Scotland’ plans for Kintyre tobecome the ‘renewable hub of the County’, individualprivate companies have taken advantage of apreviously unnoticed window of opportunity in theCounty plan. Developmental and financial investmentcompanies now see a potential for erecting multipleindividual turbines as being more cost effective thana single wind farm since they may require lessenvironmental impact reporting, may attract less timeconsuming consideration and the rates of subsidyare much higher per unit of electricity. Unsurprisinglysingle turbines are also being promoted tolandowners as a creditable way of helping theenvironmental production of electricity and of gaininga large annual bonus through government subsidiesand possibly reducing their own electricity costs. Thisseems all very worthy but this subsidy, paid to a few,is funded by a levy added directly to the electricitybills of the many - ordinary mortals who are mostlywithout the wherewithal to ‘invest’ in solar panels orthe space and appropriate site for a wind generator. While the Local Plan assumes that the site of asingle turbine would be close “as safely andtechnically possible” to the applicant’s home or workpremises and “should be the correct size for itsproposed location and should fit well with itssurroundings”, it seems that some landowners preferto have sites which are not quite as close to theirdwellings as one would expect of wind enthusiasts.And the turbines themselves are also much bigger– industrial in size - typically 45.9 metres, importedfrom the Canaries. As can be seen by the attached list, heights andplacings are pushing the letter and spirit of thedevelopments. At least one of the applications issupposedly for the use of a farm which is unoccupiedand has been, for many years. Certainly while rural incomes need boosting, onewonders if some applications ought to be moreappropriately considered as a new form ofagricultural or industrial subsidy, paid for byincreased electricity bills, rather than an attempt todefeat global warming.
LOCAL APPLICATIONSErection of wind turbine 45.7 meters high toblade tip) and formation of temporary accesstrack. Land North East of High DalriochCampbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6PH Ref.No: 12/00436/PP | Received: Thu 23 Feb 2012| Validated: Fri 02 Mar 2012 | Status: PendingConsideration.Erection of wind turbine (46 metres high toblade tip) and formation of temporary accesstrack Land North West of CalliburnCampbeltown Argyll & Bute Ref. No:12/00428/PP | Received: Thu 23 Feb 2012 |Validated: Fri 02 Mar 2012 | Status: PendingConsideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (45.9 metrehigh to blade tip) and formation of temporaryaccess track East Skeroblingarry Campbel-town Argyll & Bute PA28 6NX Ref. No:12/00328/PP | Received: Fri 10 Feb 2012 |Validated: Fri 10 Feb 2012 | Status: PendingConsideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (45.9 metrehigh to blade tip) and formation of temporaryaccess track Pennygown Farm CampbeltownArgyll & Bute PA28 6PH Ref. No: 12/00321/PP| Received: Fri 10 Feb 2012 | Validated: Fri 10Feb 2012 | Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 45.9 metre high (to blade tip) windturbine and formation of temporary accessroad. Oatfield Campbeltown Argyll PA28 6PHRef. No: 12/00007/PP | Received: Mon 19Dec 2011 | Validated: Thu 26 Jan 2012 |Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 45.9 metre high (to blade tip) windturbine and formation of temporary accessroad. Lagalgarve Farm Bellochantuy Camp-beltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QE Ref. No:12/00009/PP | Received: Mon 19 Dec 2011 |Validated: Thu 26 Jan 2012 | Status: PendingConsideration.Erection of 45.9 metre high (to blade tip) windturbine and formation of temporary accessroad. South Tomaig Farm Tomaig RoadCampbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6PE Ref.No: 12/00006/PP | Received: Mon 19 Dec2011 | Validated: Thu 26 Jan 2012 | Status:Pending Consideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9 metreshigh to blade tip and 32.4 to hub height) and
formation of temporary access track LandNorth West of Ardnacross Farm PeninverCampbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QPRef. No: 11/02426/PP | Received: Wed30 Nov 2011 | Validated: Wed 30 Nov2011 | Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9metres high to tip height) and formationof temporary access track Land NorthEast of Bunlarie Saddell CampbeltownArgyll & Bute PA28 6QR Ref. No:11/02411/PP | Received: Wed 30 Nov2011 | Validated: Wed 30 Nov 2011 |Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9metres high to tip height) and formationof temporary access track Land NorthEast of Strathnafanaig Clachan TarbertArgyll & Bute PA29 6XL Ref. No:11/02428/PP | Received: Wed 30 Nov2011 | Validated: Wed 30 Nov 2011 |Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9metres high to blade tip) and formationof temporary access track Land SouthWest of East Laggan PeninverCampbeltown Argyll & Bute PA28 6QPRef. No: 11/02121/PP | Received: Mon24 Oct 2011 | Validated: Thu 24 Nov2011 | Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 225 kilowatt wind turbine(46.9 metres to blade tip) and formationof temporary access track Land NorthWest of Lephinmore SaddellCampbeltown Argyll & Bute Ref. No:11/02096/PP | Received: Thu 20 Oct2011 | Validated: Mon 28 Nov 2011 |Status: Pending Consideration.Erection of 225kw wind turbine (46.9metres high to blade tip) and formationof temporary access track Land NorthWest of High Ugadale CampbeltownArgyll & Bute PA28 6QR Ref. No:11/02094/PP | Received: Thu 20 Oct2011 | Validated: Sat 26 Nov 2011 |Status: Pending Consideration.Note: For those still working in imperialmeasurements 45.9 metres is 150 feetand 46.9 metres is 153 feet.Looking at the documents, comments byplanning officers and submissions bybodies like SNH, it is clear that not all theindividual companies have complied withplanning requirements or taken thetrouble to carry out advisory consul-tations with affected parties. Similarlysome have paid no more than lip serviceto the requirement to walk the site and toseek authoritative views on flora, fauna,the impact on archaeology and the likelyinterruption to drainage works. Whateverthe outcome of these applications it is tobe hoped that decisions will be in keepingwith the long term interests of Kintyre.Thanks to those, both pro and anti-windturbines, who contributed to this article.
KINTYRE MAY SOON BE BRISTLING ALL OVER WITH TOWERING INDIGNATION
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FERRY DISTURBING NEWS 2012Those readers who took the trouble to read Eric Dudley’s researchesinto the Scottish Government’s consultation on ferries in the Highlandsand the Isles, must have been surprised or shocked that the Claonaigto Lochranza ferry was not mentioned in the section dealing with Kintyre;the advantages of the Tarbert to Portavadie are mentioned as being‘an important connection which is not only used as an alternative to theextended road journey for people travelling from Kintyre to the Centralbelt, but is used by people living around Portavadie who want to travelto Kintyre and from there to Oban..... and forms part of a strategic routein the summer months’ (for tourists). Eric’s contention is that the any attempt to under-value the Claonaigto Lochranza would have a very damaging effect on those living onKintyre and tourists who wish to travel to Arran and on to the mainland. The Scottish Government’s sop to Kintyre residents is support fora ferry from Campbeltown, via Arran to Ardrossan or Troon; Eric’salternative proposal was for a new slipway at Carradale to allow atwo-legged ferry route - Claonaig - Lochranza - Carradale and back. However most representatives of local groups attending the KintyreInitiative Working Group meeting in Campbeltown on Friday 24thFebruary preferred to retain the Claonaig to Lochranza and have a newdaily ferry connection between Campbeltown and the mainland.
Turbine steamer routes in 1905
1905 VERSUS 2012Unlike the long and time-consumingdirect link between Campbeltown andGlasgow by the north of Arran in 1905,it is clear from the adjacent map thatkeeping the Claonaig to Lochranzaferry and connecting Campbeltowndirectly to the main bulk of mainlandScotland, without deviating to Arran,would have tremendous advantages fortourists, and for local transportcompanies, but whether the costsinvolved would commend the route, orif the Scottish Government is minded toopen up another major route followingthe failure of the Ballycastle vehicleferry, is open to question. The case for the retention of theClaonaig/Tarbert/Lochranza route iscertainly well made in comparison tothe Oban/Barra/Lochboisdale route - in2010 CTL carried 52,100 passengerscompared with 58,200 for the morewell-known & longer OBL route.
FERRY INTERESTING ROUTES 1905‘THE DIRECT ROUTE, ARDRISHAIG & INVERARAY,
LOCHRANZA AND CAMPBELTOWN’The article and map in the adjacent column are symptomatic of thechanges in Highlands and Island transport provision in the last hundredyears. While steam and diesel have still to reappear on rails inCampbeltown, road transport has improved dramatically, if somewhatdisastrously in conservational terms, but the ‘Good Old Days’ of ‘Up theWater’ to Glasgow remain in the memory of many older travellers. The latest piece of interesting local history, delivered to the Editorby Peter Dancer of the Old Post Office, Saddell, is in the shape of the1905 edition of a booklet entitled ‘New Turbine Steamers, King Edwardand Queen Alexandra’. It contains a host of advertising, a number ofphotographs of both vessels and the ports they visited, together with acommentary on the pleasures of travel in the Clyde Estuary andKilbrannan Sound. It is hoped to reproduce some of the observationscontained in the booklet in future Antler issues. One very interesting picture shows that even in 2005 fast ferrieswere not that far in the future and, certainly, S.Y. Turbina, ‘steaming’ at34½ knots was a worthy forerunner of West Coast Motor’s Ballycastleand mainland service.
S.Y. Turbina, ‘steaming’ at 34½ knots
Would another ferry solve thisproblem? Photo courtesy of J.D.
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‘Built as a larger and faster sister to King Edward, Queen Alexandrahad the benefit of a shade deck, which proved extremely popular andwas later copied on King Edward and King George V. Queen Alexandrahad a short time on the Clyde and in the early hours of Sunday 10September 1911 she suffered a serious fire which proved disastrousfor her. She was so badly damaged that a replacement was orderedand the original Queen was sold to the Canadian Pacific Railway. Theyhad her repaired by her builders, Dennys, and she was renamedPrincess Patricia. They sailed her to British Columbia via Cape Hornand she sailed on the west coast of Canada until she was broken upin 1937’‘CARRADALE This is the village and pier of Carradale whose rockyand picturesque promontory - the Aird of Carradale - projects into theSound and forms the upper end of Carradale Bay. The pier here is asubstantial and even elegant iron structure, erected in 1871, and itserves a considerable traffic in live stock and timber, as well aspassenger and tourist needs. Carradale is a favourite haunt of artists,and it is resorted to year after year by city families whose membershave good reason to bless the beneficent result of sojourns by thebreezy hillsides and among the rich glens of the neighbourhood.Rounding Carradale Point or the Aird of Carradale, on which may beseen the remains of an old fort, we steam past Carradale Bay, and see,at its head, Carradale House, a seat of Sir David Carrick Buchanan, ofDrumpellier. Torrisdale Castle is also seen about a mile and a quarterfurther on -‘SADDELL: a quaint little hamlet nestling among woods, near the leftbank of Saddell Water where it joins the sea, next claims our attention.It gives name to one of the parishes and is one of the many places inKintyre rich in folk-lore reminiscences, and has besides not a fewantiquities of note. At the village are the tree-embowered ruins ofSaddell Abbey, once an edifice of considerable importance. In thechurchyard are some most interesting sculptured effigies, and near byis a holy well. This abbey was founded about the end of the twelfthcentury for Cistercian monks by Reginald, second son of Somerled,who is himself styled King of the Isles and Argyll, and who died in 1207.The abbey made peace with Haco of Norway in 1263, and in 1507 itwas, with all its possessions, annexed by James IV. to the bishopric ofArgyll. Some little distance off, at the head of Saddell Bay, standsSaddell Castle, a large square battlemented tower, and close by is themodern Glen Saddell House, the seat of John Neil Macleod, Esq. ofKintarbert. As we proceed along the coast the scenery does not presentany new features of interest, and involuntarily our eyes seek the openprospect which now presents itself on the south-west. Lonely bird-haunted Ailsa is now seen more clearly, and further west the eye cantrace the ins and outs and prominent points of the Ayrshire andWigtonshire coast, Corsehill Point, with its lighthouse, and the mouthof Loch Ryan.’ From New Turbine Steamers Ltd 1905 booklet.
TURBINE STEAMERS IN 1905 & THE COMPANY’S VIEW OF KINTYRE VILLAGES
‘The King Edward was a unique and truly revolutionary ship. The KingEdward, built in 1901 for Clyde service was the world's first steamturbine powered passenger ship, using a form of propulsion firstdemonstrated by the engineer Charles Parsons on the launch Turbiniain 1896. A more efficient user of steam, the turbine was to replace thereciprocating engine as the main power source for screw steamers andthe speed and economy of King Edward soon made the turbine thechosen method of propulsion for Clyde steamers on the long-haul cruiseroutes such as to Campbeltown and Inveraray. As a result she has anexceptionally important place in British and Clyde maritime history. Shewas built in 1901 by William Denny & Bros. shipyard in Dumbarton onthe River Clyde in Scotland for Turbine Steamers Syndicate (laterknown as Turbine Steamers Ltd). Her speed and economy made turbinepropulsion an instant success on the Clyde. Her speed enabled her toopen up the long distance run from Fairlie to Campbeltown andInveraray to cruises. Thus paving the way for the future Clyde Turbinessteamers that followed her success’. ‘During the First World War from 1915 to 1919 she was used as atroopship on the English Channel and also sailed to the White Sea inNorthern Russia. After the end of the First World War she returned toher cruise duties and sailed to Campbeltown and Inveraray from
Greenock andGourock insteadof Fairlie. Withthe introductionof the KingGeorge V on thelong distanceroutes, the KingEdward wasswitched to sailfrom Glasgow toR o t h e s a y .During theSecond WorldWar sheremained on the
Clyde and undertook tendering duties based at Greenock for shipsanchoring at Tail O' The Bank off Greenock. In 1946 she returned toher peacetime duties and resumed the run from Glasgow to Rothesay.She remained on this route for the rest of her career. She was retiredfrom service in 1952 and scrapped at Troon. Happily both her high pressure steam turbine and her low pressuresteam turbine are now preserved at the Glasgow Transport Museumas a lasting reminder of this famous and revolutionary Clyde TurbineSteamer. Website: www.glasgowmuseums.com
T.S. QUEEN ALEXANDRAT.S. KING EDWARD
Photo from the Clydesite Magazine’s web-site
From http://freespace.virgin.net/tom.lee/qualeximg.htm
Glasgow Transport Museum: web-site: www.glasgowmuseums.com
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PROBLEM HEARING PHONE? DID YOU KNOW?Many of us have hearing problems as we get older, and using the phonecan become increasingly difficult. My problem was hearing the person atthe other end of the phone. I spent a fortune on phones with volume control(which turned out to be for the ringer only), hearing aid compatibility (whichseemed to make no difference), speaker-phones etc. Help is available. What was the RNID, now called ‘Action on HearingLoss’, has a range of both telephones, and other aids for those withhearing problems. They can lend you a phone, for up to a month, to try athome and see if it suits your needs. If so, you pay for it; if not, you can takeor post it back and borrow another to try. Their web-site is useless, allabout 'please give money', though it does give a phone number for theGlasgow office; 0141 341 5330. The person who advises on which phone might be best for you, andarranges loans is; Malaika Rose, Action on Hearing loss, 131 West NileSt., Glasgow. (corner of Sauchiehall St and West Nile St). Office Tel: 0141341 5330, Malaika's direct line 0141 341 5335, and her email; [email protected]. I hope this might help anyone having similar problems. I have acatalogue which I’m happy to loan or pass on. Helen Owen 01586 550202
THE PICTURE HOUSEThe past year has been a challenging time for the Directors of CampbeltownCommunity Business as they work on the development phase of theCentenary Project. It is such an important undertaking that it is vital to findthe correct solution. First and foremost, the aim is to conserve the historicbuilding for the future. But it must be financially sustainable, and this iswhere the challenge lies. How best to bring back the unused assets toprovide a financially viable way ahead? There is an empty annexe besidethe main auditorium and an empty courtyard to the rear. The Board has looked at many many options, and the consultancyteams have worked tirelessly to see whether each of these could work. Itis hoped that a solution has finally been found that will deliver all the originalaims presented to the Heritage Lottery Fund in our application. Furtherdetails will be available soon. In the meantime however, The Picture House must Go Digital. This hashappened sooner than was originally planned. The industry is expected tomove away from 35mm projection by the end of 2012. Only about five printsof each film will be made in the 35mm format. The Picture House cannotwait its turn for one of these if it is to fulfil its stated remit of showing filmswithin 4 – 5 weeks of release. Steps are being taken to ensure that we donot get left behind. For the past fifteen months a cinema supporters grouphas been mounting a series of fundraising efforts. These were greatlyincreased by winning the recent Royal Bank of Scotland's Community Forcechallenge, providing a boost of £6,000. This sum has been matched bygenerous donations from local bodies like The Rotary Club of Campbeltownand the Balure Trust, a coffee morning, a bingo night, a bottle stall, a quiz,charity boxes in shops, garden openings, and the sale of thecommemorative DVD of HMS Campbeltown's final visit to the town. Theseefforts will continue till we reach our goal of approximately £16,000. (Thetotal cost of the equipment needed will be just over £100,000! Other funderswill hopefully be the Digital Funding Partnership, HIE and LEADER.) ThePicture House would welcome help to reach this total from other groups orindividuals. On Sunday, 11th March the Hippodrome Cinema in Bo'ness reachedits hundredth birthday and CCB joins with them in celebrating this importantevent. They underwent a thorough restoration process starting in 2005 andreopened in February 2008 after thirty years lying empty. We earnestlyhope that we can follow in their footsteps and restore our precious but fragilegem to its former glory. Now we invite everyone to visit our web-site(www.weepictures.co.uk) to our Countdown Clock to watch the secondstick by till that moment next year on 26th May when The Picture House toowill reach its Centenary. We have also launched a new Face-book page, so please sign up andfollow developments. You can even watch trailers of the current films andthose booked to come soon. 'The Muppets' are coming during the first weekof the holidays, and continuing our Oscar season here in Campbeltown thenext First Monday will be 'The Artist'. Of course, the Wee Pictures wasdoing a roaring trade at the time of the silent movies which is the settingfor 'The Artist'. The Talkies arrived in Campbeltown in July 1931 when thefirst film was 'The Desert Song'. The Courier reported that 'the newinnovation was a novel and intriguing entertainment'. Adding an interestingfurther comment, 'it was pleasing to note that Campbeltown audiences,which were inclined to be rather noisy at the silent shows, were completelysilent'! Jane Mayo, 13th March 2012.
HOUSE FOR SALEWATERFOOT, CARRADALE, CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLL PA28 6QXThe house stands at the bend of a minor road, branching from theB842 at Dippen Bridge, just south of Carradale on the east coast ofKintyre, 15 miles north of Campbeltown and approximately 110 milessouth-west of Glasgow. The house has mains water and electricity,a recently installed outside oil-fired central heating boiler and anefficient septic tank sewage system requiring little or nomaintenance. Standing on high ground on the landward side of anadopted road and the Carradale Burn it is about 200 yards from theriver mouth and enjoys views towards Arran to the north and east,towards Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire coast to the south-east and tothe local hills in all other directions. Television reception from theCarradale mast was upgraded to distribute terrestrial Freeviewsignals in May of 2011; broadband is available. The Carradale area has a system of integrated walks uniqueboth in Kintyre and the west of Scotland, largely through the largesseof a previous owner of the Carradale Estate and safeguarded by theScottish Government’s ‘Right to Roam Act’ and registered with Argylland Bute Council and the Scottish Rights of Way and AccessSociety; it has been a well known holiday location from the dayswhen a ‘trip doon the water’ was an annual pilgrimage. Carradalehas a delightful golf course and, together with other links in Kintyre,attracts visitors year after year. The local harbour is a feature of thevillage and is the subject of ambitious plans. There is an upgradedvillage hall, three hotels, a heritage centre and tearoom and anumber of local groups offer a wealth of opportunities for socialactivities. Carradale has two post offices, a gift shop, a grocery shop,and two suppliers of daily papers; there are hopes to provide acommunity road facility in the future. Campbeltown has a large number of independent shops, aCoop supermarket and a Tesco Metro. There are four concessionarybuses a day to the town and a similar number returning. A serviceaircraft leaves Machrihanish for Glasgow in the morning and returnsin late afternoon. The Carradale surgery has the services of a singledoctor on four days a week and operates an open door system,although appointments can be arranged during surgery hours. A newDental Centre opened in Campbeltown in January 2011 andoperates one wing without charge for patients happy to be servedby dentists from Glasgow University in their final year of training.
GARDENThe gardens contain five cordyline australis and two trachycarpusfortunei palm trees, three camellias, a wisteria, several clematis, twoChilean fire-bushes, other native trees and beds of heathers togetherwith a variety of perennials and areas planted with shrubs, daffodils,crocuses, snakeshead fritillary, and pachysandra terminalis. Thereis an extensive vegetable garden and a fruit frame with raspberries,gooseberries and currants, with four wooden and 3 plastic compostbins. Attached to the garage is a block built 10’8” x 6’6” shed withbench and tool racks and a small wooden greenhouse with twomature grape vines and a work bench. In the centre of the gardenare two ponds the smaller of which attracts up to 60 frogs in thebreeding season. Both ponds are planted with water lilies.GENERALAll lighting bulbs have been replaced with approved low consumptionversions. Double tubular metal gates give a vehicle entrance of 22’,with a separate tubular metal walking gate. The property issurrounded with sheep fencing and with rabbit netting. Hedges ofgriselinia littoralis on the south-west and part north-west borders areaugmented by mixed hedging on the north-east border and by theneighbour’s rhododendron hedge on the south-east border. Thereis a 10 feet wide concrete circular drive round the house and anextensive pattern of 3’ and 18” slabbed paths. An electricallyoperated satellite dish is mounted on a concrete base in the gardenand operates from inside the house; it is capable of picking up avariety of English and European language TV and radio stations.Rainwater from the house is deflected into three water butts and afurther three are sited behind the garage block.
This property is open for informal offers: Tel 01583 431281
THE HOUSE CONTAINS : A Timber & glass fronted porch (Max7’8” x 5’0”) an Entrance Hall (11’6” x 4’6” and 15’ x 3’9”) a Lounge/Dining Room (22’8” x 10’7” dining 8’0” x 7’0”) a Conservatory (25’0”x 10’0” ) a Kitchen (Max 13’0” x 11’0”) a Back Hall (5’2” x 2’9”) aseparate Toilet: ( 4’11” x 3’0”) a Back Porch (4’10” x 2’8”). Bedroom1 (12’6” x 10’7”), Bedroom 2 (10’0” x 8’6”), Bedroom 3 used as anOffice (10’0” x 8’6”), Bathroom Max 10’0” x 6’6”) and a Second SittingRoom (24’0” x 15’0”)UPPER FLOOR: Bedroom 4 (24’0” x 15’0”) and a partly boardedLoft .There are 3 Garages (Total size 32’10” x 21’4” with two up andover doors and one electric roller door).
